The Villages of Carthage and West Carthage held its first public hearing to present information to the community regarding the New York State Community Development Block Grant through the Small Cities Program.

• Wayne McIlroy, President of the Village of Carthage, brought the first public hearing to order at 7:05PM and turned the hearing over to Mike Sligar.

• Mike Sligar provided an overview of the Small Cities Program, highlighting available options, program requirements, available funding, program objectives, displacement, and special assessments, written comments and technical assistance to groups representing low-to-moderate income persons. Mike responded to questions from attendees and listened to suggestions for applying.

• Mike stated representatives from Small Cities met with a group of representatives from the RACOG ad hoc advisory committee, Kathy Riches-Amyot, Jefferson County Planning, and Tug Hill Commission for an informal discussion regarding the program. A Draft Scenario was outlined based on the information gathered and reflecting identified community need through ongoing ad hoc advisory committee meetings and informal discussions with residents.

• The Draft Scenario suggests a joint application between the Villages of Carthage and West Carthage and outlines community need and available options through the CDBG.

• Mike directed residents with questions following the hearing to Kathy Riches-Amyot, Carthage Municipal Building, 120 S. Mechanic Street, Carthage, NY 13619. Mike suggested questions be written to facilitate the flow of information.

• Mike suggested residents visit the RACOG web site www.racog.org to view questions that have been forwarded to Kathy as well as the responses to those questions.

• Don Getman, Mayor of West Carthage, read a letter of concern from Mr. Jerry LaRock, Executive Director of the West Carthage Housing Authority regarding Phase II of the CDBG and its reference to additional low-to-moderate income housing. Stated in the letter is an invitation to the W. Carthage Board to meet with the Housing Board to discuss their concerns.

• Mike announced the 2^nd Public Hearing will be held April 17, 2001 at the West Carthage Municipal Building at 7:00 PM to provide residents with an opportunity to review the details of the CDBG Microenterprise application and comment prior to its submission.

• Wayne McIlroy, asked attendees for additional questions and/or comments regarding the CDBG. Wayne thanked attendees for the demonstration of interest and participation and brought the hearing to a close at 8:00 PM.